I’ve been really impressed with some parts from an AR manufacturer that I had never heard of, Stubborn Mule Outdoor Supply (SMOS Arms).   I was searching for a Noveske upper w/o forward assist to match a lower I had, and stumbled upon SMOS Arms.  Turns out SMOS was the OEM of the Noveske stuff I was using.  I wound up buying one of their “builder kits” (upper, lower, and handguard) as well as one of their barrels.  Unfortunately they stopped producing the upper w/o forward assist that I was looking for, maybe they will produce it again if they get enough demand.

I was amazed at the fit and finish on the parts, especially how tight and perfect everything fits together.  There’s no rattle or play in the fit of the receivers, it’s perfect.  The handguard blends seamlessly into the upper, perfection.  The huge magwell facilitates quick reloads perfectly.  I love the understated beauty of the entire kit, no flash, just perfectly executed rifle parts.  

The barrel is damn near magical.  It’s a 13.7” match grade barrel with a midlength gas system.  I pinned and welded a muzzle brake that brings total length to 16”.  It shoots sub MOA and the recoil impulse is oh so soft.  I’m using this as 3-Gun rifle and it shoots very flat with a JP comp.  I’m thinking of picking up one of their 16” rifle length barrels for my next build.  

I’m very happy that I found this company, I’ve got 2,000 trouble free rounds on this gun and am excited to build another rifle with their parts.



http://i.imgur.com/a/u4J9V.jpg

Your picture isn't working.  Please fix because I'd like to see it.

I may have heard them mentioned a time or two:

Attached File

They used to make the lowers for Larue, they're good at what they do.

$275 for a billet lower without a tensioning screw or ambi bolt release? wow...

Yikes!  I do not see the value...

Horrible customer service.  Nice parts but a pain the ass to deal with. No thanks.  

Maybe the matched upper & lower sets are worth the $$.  There's something about a matching billet upper/lower set that is quite excellent.

Aren't all AR uppers and lowers "matching?"

they are all compatible, but a "matching" pair means they have been inspected from the factory for fit with no wobble between upper and lower, and are sold as that pair.  Otherwise, to completely eliminate the wobble between upper and lower, you either need to (1) use the shitty rubber wedge under the rear takedown pin (which causes problems in many ARs) or (2) buy a lower receiver with a tensioning screw. The screw has a rubber or plastic tip and places tension on the upper receiver to eliminate wobble.

It's a fantastic looking lower, but I agree.

Too many others offering ambi features for the same or less money.

The only SMOS lower I have and I got really lucky with the Anderson upper matching it.




18" CLE barrel in that one.

They make some pretty stuff and have been behind the scenes the past few years making parts for other manufacturers. I'm not a fan of their "GFY" and in your face marketing though.

Just a slight correction to the matched pair as far as compatibility. In some instances they are not necessarily compatible with other uppers or lowers. F-1 Firearms is an example. They make a matched pair and then they make a Universal upper and just recently released a Universal lower. The Universal upper will fit other Milspec lowers as well as their Universal lower but I tried it on the lower from the matched pair and it will not fit. Not saying the ones mentioned in tbis thread above are like that but  just something to check when dealing with these fancier, higher end pieces.

Rudy

It's not a value brand.  My decision to purchase was based on the huge magwell, aesthetics, and the want for a precision fit.  I really appreciate the clean lines and subtle appearance.  The upper, lower, and handguard all fit together and blend as one.  It gives the rifle more of monolithic appearance versus a pile of parts.  So, while not cheap, it was absolutely worth the price.

@Beast666

can you elaborate on the customer service issues?

just curious. No axe to grind either way

I just received my custom rifle from SMOS. Fit and finish is excellent. I had it cerakoted Patriot Brown with fde furniture and it looks sharp. I opted for a 15" crossbreed rail covering a 16" barrel running rifle length gas. I'm really excited to shoot it.

They did get a couple minot details wrong in the past, but they've done their best to make it right. They're a small outfit that make excellent parts and rifles.

Their new low profile, logo-less lower is the way to go if you're not a fan of the branding.

Dammit man, pics!!!

Let's see some sub MOA pics

Don't have pics, but using 55g Hornady and 69g Australian Outback resulted in .65-.8" groups at 100y in their Shilen barrel.

Sorry about that, not sure why my pic isn't embedded in the post.  You can click the link to see it.